Cornhusk expert Jewel Sanders, owner of the Corn Crib, explains ways to make carnations out of cornhusks. Materials:
Cornhusks
Cornhusk comb shredder
Glue gun and hot glue
Water
Spray bottle
Towel
Cutting mat to protect work surface
16- to 20-gauge wire
Pliers
Heavy craft thread
Floral tape
- Soak cornhusks in water to soften them. Keep them soft by wrapping moist cornhusks in a towel.
- For best results, make the carnations from the thinner outside portions of cornhusks. Grasp a bunch of cornhusks at one end. Use a cornhusk comb shredder to shred the ends of the cornhusks. The tool, available in craft stores, resembles a wood block with nails protruding from one side and is very sharp. Protect the work surface with a cutting mat (figure A).
- Turn the cornhusks around, and shred the other end. Wrap a wire around the middle of the bunch of shredded cornhusks, and tighten with pliers. Let the end of the wire extend out for the stem (figure B).
- Fold the cornhusks in half at the center wire so the ends are all together, and tie a piece of heavy craft thread tightly around the bunch about 3/4" from the wire. Cut the ends of the thread. It will resemble a tassel (figure C).
- Trim the ends evenly approximately 2" from the thread. Fluff the shredded ends into a flower shape. Let the flower dry (figure D).
- Cut a piece of green cornhusk 1 1/2" wide. Run a bead of hot glue around the thread tied around the cornhusks. Wrap the green cornhusk around the base of the flower, gluing it in place. Cut away any excess (figure E).
- Wrap thread around the base of the flower at the stem, and tie tightly. Cut a narrow strip of green cornhusk, fold it in half, and place it at the base of the flower for leaves. Wrap the stem with floral tape, catching the leaves to secure them (figure F).
Variation: - To make a simple daisy from cornhusks, cut petal shapes from cornhusks, and hot-glue them to a Styrofoam® ball cut in half and squashed flat. Stick a wire into the edge of the flattened ball, and hot-glue a seed capsule ("gumball") from a sweet-gum tree to the center (figure G).
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